Krapāne informed the party about her decision during a party meeting, sources told LTV.
It was previously rumored that Krapāne might have been pushed into this decision by PM nominee Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity), but Kariņš' party denies it, saying that it's the candidate's own decision.
KPV LV faction leader Atis Zakatistovs told the press that Krapāne's candidacy will be replaced by the candidacy of another Saeima deputy, Ramona Petraviča.
A former employee of the municipal police, a teacher at a youth camp, and a former kindergarten employee, Krapāne's candidacy was controversial due to a perceived lack of previous experience in politics.
As recently as January 7, Krapāne was named among the candidates for the new cabinet. With Krapāne replaced, the outline of the proposed shape of his cabinet is as follows:
Foreign Minister: Edgars Rinkēvičs (New Unity)
Finance Minister: Jānis Reirs (New Unity)
Justice Minister: Jānis Bordāns (New Conservatives)
Transport Minister: Tālis Linkaits (New Conservatives)
Education and Science Minister: Ilga Šuplinska (New Conservatives)
Economics Minister: Dīdzis Šmits (KPV LV)
Interior Minister: Sandis Ģirģens (KPV LV)
Welfare Minister: Ramona Petraviča (KPV LV)
Defense Minister: Artis Pabriks (For Development/For!)
Environment and Regional Affairs Minister: Jūris Pūce (For Development/For!)
Health Minister: Ilze Vinkele (For Development/For!)
Culture Minister: Dace Melbārde (National Alliance)
Agriculture Minister: Kaspars Gerhards (National Alliance)
Kariņš, a member of the New Unity party, is the third person nominated for the post of prime minister by the president. It is expected that actually putting a government in place will take at least two weeks.
